Lovely music festival

[2026] Guide to Music Festivals and Outdoor Events in Hokkaido and the Tohoku Region

Music Festival Master / Editor-in-ChiefHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC and in charge of music festivals. When I attended my first music festival as a freshman in college, I was captivated by its charm—“I can’t believe there’s a place this free and this fun.” I share information about wonderful music festivals every day to help grow the community of festival fans.

The majestic nature of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region awaits you as the stage for a music festival.

A celebration of music unfolds beneath vast mountains, sweeping grasslands, and crystal-clear blue skies—an extraordinary experience you won’t find in the city.

Enjoy delicious local specialties packed with each region’s charm, and warm encounters with the people who live there.

Under a pleasant breeze and a sky full of stars, come feel the unique sense of togetherness created by the audience and the artists.

Past events

Kitami Midwinter Extreme Cold Barbecue FestivalFriday, 2/6, Hokkaido

Schedule	Friday, February 6, 2026
place	Special venue at NiCC Arts and Culture Hall, 1-3-22 Izumicho, Kitami City, Hokkaido
Website	https://doshin-playguide.jp/ticket/detail/955
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Yuki Toro FestAomori Prefecture, Sat 1/24–Sun 1/25

A winter community festival in Noheji, Aomori Prefecture, returning for its third edition under the theme “Play, Create, Connect.” With the motto “Turning snow into play and daily life: crafting a winter story with the community,” it unfolds over two days at the town’s sports park. The eve features a tranquil snowy night lit by lanterns and bonfires, with drinks and music. The main festival brings together snow-country specialties such as a snow sculpture contest, sled races, a snow sauna, kamakura (snow hut) displays, and hands-on snow play. Scheduled for January 2026.

Noheji Yuki-Toro Fest 2026 successfully concluded! Thank you! — Playing with snow, living with snow. A winter story created together with the community —

Yuki Toro Fest

Schedule	Saturday–Sunday, January 24–25, 2026
place	Nobechi Town Sports Park, 114 Aza Matsunoki, Noheji-machi, Kamikita District, Aomori Prefecture
Website	https://aomori-tourism.com/event/detail_9789.html
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Arafudo MusicSat, Jan 24, Fukushima Prefecture

Schedule	Saturday, January 24, 2026
place	YUMORI, Tsuchiyu Onsen-machi, Fukushima Prefecture
Website	https://www.arafudomusic.com/

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HAKODATE WINTER JAZZ FESTIVALSun, Jan 18 — Hokkaido

http://www.hakobura.jp

Schedule	Sunday, January 18, 2026
place	Hokkaido, Hakodate City, Hakodate City Art Hall
Website	https://www.hakobura.jp/events/208

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Warm Winter Music FestivalSat 1/17–Sun 1/18, Miyagi Prefecture

Schedule	Sat–Sun, Jan 17–18, 2026
place	1-1 Tsutsumidori Amamiyamachi, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, AEON Mall Sendai Uesugi, 4th Floor, KAMISUGI ONE PARK

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HAMADOORI JAZZ FESTSat 1/10 – Sun 1/11, Fukushima Prefecture

http://www.hirono-kousha.com

Schedule	Saturday–Sunday, January 10–11, 2026
place	44-5 Hironaga, Shimo-Asamigawa, Hirono Town, Futaba District, Fukushima Prefecture, Hatago Inn Fukushima Hirono (Multiple venues: Manabi-no-Mori, Tomioka Town Cultural Exchange Center)

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Niseko Music RecitalHokkaido, Sat 1/10–Mon 1/12

The Niseko Music Recital is a classical music event held at Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO in Hokkaido. Artistic Director and violinist Richard Tognetti will deliver a live performance together with ensemble artists. After the performance, a cocktail party featuring canapés and drinks from Park Hyatt Niseko will be offered. The event will take place in January 2026.

Highlights from the Niseko Music Recital 2026 | MnK Niseko

Niseko Music Recital

Schedule	Sat, Jan 10–Mon, Jan 12, 2026
place	Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO, 328-47 Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Appearance	Richard Tognetti / Ensemble Artists
Website	https://www.nisekomusicfestival.org/
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